In Others’ Words: Stand Out

Beth VogtFun, Life, Quotes, Reality 32 Comments

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” ~Dr. Seuss (1904-1991), American writer & poet

It’s Friday.

It’s summer.

I’ll keep it brief(er) today.

The older I get, the more comfortable I am being me — the real me. Not the “who do you think I should be” me.

I’m OK with being different — and I also don’t have to be different just to make a point. Or to get noticed.

In Your Words: What makes you stand out in a crowd? Come on, tell me. I’d really like to know.

I’m visiting over at Michelle Lim’s blog today, talking about what’s beyond the bend in the writing road. I hope you drop by!

Comments 32

  1. I’ve had some unusual and adventurous life experiences that have often made me not “fit-in” easily, but on the other hand I’m learning they can make me “interesting” and acceptable to those people able to stretch to include new things, and I’m okay with that.

  2. Love the photo, but it does remind me a little too much of myself, the one year I played in our high school marching band. LOL

    Isn’t it wonderful getting comfortable with who we are? It took me many years to get here, and I’m not going back!!

    That’s a difficult question, about standing out in a crowd. It’s so hard, if not impossible, to see ourselves as others see us. (And it seems like an important issue to ponder in regards to our story-people.)

    Thanks, Beth!!

  3. Umm…the constant presence of a beverage in my hand. (Coffee in the morning, Diet Coke with Lime in the afternoon) Okay, I guess that’s not that different. Possibly messy hair. Sometimes a hat.

    But seriously, I like the idea of finding our uniqueness, the natural, unforced things that stand out about us…and then embracing those things, letting them shine.

    1. Love your hats, Melissa.
      I can’t wear ’em. I feel like a sign pops up that reads: LOOK! She’s wearing a hat!

  4. One thing people have said to me is that I am an encourager. So, I think that may just be what makes me stand out in a figurative crowd, if not a literal one. 🙂 Are you going to answer the question too? 🙂

    1. Yes, you are an encourager.
      And, yes, I will answer the question.

      I think my sense of humor makes me stand out in a crowd. My laughter …

  5. I love the Dr. Seuss quote, Beth! That’s awesome. I have no clue what makes me stand out in a crowd other than the fact that I’m tall and can normally see over most of the crowd when in heels. 🙂

        1. I always wanted to be petite, Donna. I am 5′ 7 3/4 inches. (Not quite 8 inches.) So, put me in heels …
          I was a tow-head blonde as a kiddo … and still think of myself as a blonde …
          😉

  6. I’m a good listener. I can be at work or shopping, and people are drawn to talk to me – some are strangers and share their problems with me. I had one elderly man (at a deli counter who struck up a conversation with me) tell me that my eyes shine with “soul and kindness” – that blew me away because that day, I was having a very stressful day, yet, he saw something in my eyes. I think it’s compassion – or in other words, my love of Jesus.

  7. This has been the hardest lesson for me to learn as a “good Southern girl.” I am different. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made …” (Ps. 139:14b). And He created me to write.

    And, in addition to being funny, you are an encourager, too. 🙂

  8. Beth,
    Love your photo clip, often feel like the little green fish : ) I think what makes me stand out is my honesty. Have a hard time pretending. Unless I’m writing. The most successful people I know are those who are most comfortable in their own skin. And it does seem to get easier as you age. One benefit at least!

  9. Great visual! Hmm, it is definitely not my height, I’m 5’2″ .5 on a good day 🙂
    My boisterous laugh or my lil southern accent might stick out in a crowd. I love to be around people and hear their “story”…yes, I’m known to be a talker, but I take in every word that is said to me!

  10. Pingback: Writer, Who Are You Really? | Tenacity

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